The Giants and Falcons are currently tied in the NFC WildCard standings, making this Sunday's matchup a huge contest. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, who met with the media on a conference call Wednesday, clearly agreed.

The first big injury bomb of the 2009 season landed on Thursday when it was learned that starting strong safety Kenny Phillips, who was coming off his best game of his young career, was placed on Injured Reserve.

The Giants secondary is nothing if not youthful. Gone are the experienced vets that were around to lend a helping hand. But the players and coaches seem confident that the defensive backfield will have enough talent and leadership to be a position of strength on this defense.

All eyes are on Bill Sheridan, the new defensive coordinator who has taken over for the very successful, very popular Steve Spagnuolo, the new head coach in St. Louis. Here's what Sheridan had to say at the conclusion of New York's three-day veteran minicamp.